TEMPE, Ariz.—Tight end Todd Heap is expected to be questionable at best this week after suffering a sprained PCL in his left knee against the Patriots.

His absence would be a blow to the Cardinals, because Heap was emerging as a threat in the passing game. He had five receptions for 62 yards Sunday before suffering the injury in the third quarter.

Quarterback Kevin Kolb likes to throwing to his tight ends, and Heap was open Sunday with the Patriots playing Cover Two in order to limit receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald had just one receptions, his lowest total since 2010.

Heap has a reputation as being injury prone, but Sunday's injury wasn't his fault. He was hit late by safety Steve Gregory, who was penalized on the play. It was a direct hit on the knee. He underwent an MRI on Monday, and the results were encouraging. The Cardinals feared worse.

The club does have depth at the position. Rob Housler played well as Heap's replacement. He's the team's fastest tight end but this is only his second year, so the Cardinals lose experience. They also have Jeff King, a solid all-round player, and Jim Dray. Heap didn't want to speculate on his status, saying only that it was day to day.